Talented Gore cast take on big musical

BY SONIA GERKEN

Ever since Peter Cairns understudied the lead role in Les Miserables 16 years ago, he has wanted to play the part if the opportunity came up.

This year the accomplished Gore musician will fulfil his ambition after being awarded the role of Jean Valjean in the Gore Operatic Society's production of Les Miserables.

Cairns leads a list of principals that has director Annette Ainge excited at the talent she has to work with.

The cast includes seasoned Gore performers such as Kim Sheridan and Brendon Terry, and young talent in the likes of Jack and Alice Fraser, of Invercargill.

Cairns said he was looking forward to working with everyone.

"I think it is going to be a great cast, there's a real depth there."

For the next six months, he will eat, sleep and breath the score, even though he is no stranger to the show.

Cairns played Enjolras when the Invercargill Musical Theatre Company staged Les Miserables and understudied the lead.

Cairns said there would be challenges ahead, emotionally and vocally. "It will be a challenge to really capture that compassion and humility and strength that Jean Valjean has."

It has been 28 years since Cairns scored his first lead role with the Gore Operatic Society – Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Since then he has had major roles in five shows, including Oliver and JC Superstar.

Les Miserables was a huge show, in many respects, but by no means beyond the society's capabilities, Cairns said.

"I think people are constantly amazed and blown away by the level that is achieved by a supposedly amateur cast," he said.

As it was, this year four or five of the principals were professionally or semi-professionally involved in the music industry, he said.

Director Annette Ainge said she was delighted to have such a high-calibre cast.

She had been aware of the depth of talent available in the community and had been fortunate to have them in the show, Ainge said.

However, there was a need for more children and company members, she said.

The society will be holding additional auditions on Sunday, February 14, starting at 10am, for girls.

Boys would be auditioning at 1pm and the company at 3pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News